Beloved-yet-loathed Barney returning to TV — and he’s had some work done – National | 24CA News
Barney the purple dinosaur is bringing the I Love You tune to an entire new era of youngsters — whereas additionally hoping to capitalize on the nostalgia of older followers.
The toy firm Mattel introduced their plans to relaunch the Barney franchise on Monday. The announcement got here with a brand new photograph of the anthropomorphized, lilac T-rex, who has been given a makeover from a real-life large mascot right into a wide-eyed, animated character.
Read extra:
Banksy unveils ‘Valentine’s day mascara’ art work highlighting home abuse
Read subsequent:
Part of the Sun breaks free and varieties an odd vortex, baffling scientists
The relaunch kicks off with a brand-new animated collection, set to debut globally in 2024. Targeted at pre-school aged youngsters, this system will take viewers on “music-filled adventures centred on love, community, and encouragement.” Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana, a producer and distributor of youngsters’s content material, will co-produce the collection alongside Mattel.
Barney’s rebrand will lengthen past the brand new TV present. Mattel additionally introduced plans for Barney to star in movies and YouTube content material, launch music and promote child’s merchandise together with toys, books and clothes. Adult followers, together with millennials who grew up with Barney (or at the least those who don’t discover the pleasant dinosaur cringe-worthy), will have the ability to purchase merch too, as grownup attire and equipment are at present within the works.
“Barney’s message of love and kindness has stood the test of time,” mentioned Josh Silverman, Chief Franchise Officer and Global Head of Consumer Products at Mattel. “We will tap into the nostalgia of the generations who grew up with Barney, now parents themselves, and introduce the iconic purple dinosaur to a new generation of kids and families around the world across content, products, and experiences.”
The authentic Barney and Friends TV present aired on PBS from 1992 to 2010. Mattel has but to announce the place the brand new Barney TV present can be broadcast.
Read extra:
‘The Flash’ trailer: Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck as Batman thrills DC followers
Read subsequent:
Exclusive: Widow’s 911 name earlier than James Smith Cree Nation murders reveals prior violence
Barney’s revival just isn’t the one Mattel reboot hoping to capitalize on the nostalgia issue. The firm just lately relaunched its Monster High property and the favored Masters of the Universe franchise from the Eighties.
So, whether or not you like him or hate him, Barney nonetheless needs to be “a happy family.” Won’t you say you like him too?
—
Nelvana and Global News are each properties of Corus Entertainment.
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.